TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2015 Modern, past exhibition past Modern, Istanbul

Turkey: Classical to Cutting Edge

ISTANBUL BIENNALE – – BURSA

Book Early & with Andrew Yip save 02–14 October 2015 (13 days) AUD 250 per person** : Classical to Cutting Edge ISTANBUL BIENNALE – GALLIPOLI – BURSA

Istanbul is a city of contrasts and contradictions, an ancient city whose layered identity is written into its art and architecture. Split down the middle by the great Bosphorus, it is the only city to span two continents, but its cultural complexity runs deeper still. Its origins are shrouded in ancient myth: before it was the capital of the Islamic , it was , the seat of power for the Roman Byzantine Empire. Before that, it was known as Byzantium, founded in legend by the Greek Byzas of Megara. Today, it is one of the most exciting emerging sites for international contemporary art. The 2015 Istanbul Biennale, curated by Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, promises to be an exciting program that TOUR LEADER speaks to the city’s cosmopolitan diversity. This tour also includes a trip Dr Andrew Yip is an to Gallipoli, a hallowed site which some argue is the birthplace of Australian Australian art historian, nationalism and cultural mythology. writer and producer whose research interests range from 19th century Ottoman and European Orientalism At a glance to 21st century Australian … art. His major research • Enjoy nine nights in the heart of Istanbul interest is in the art of war, and he completed his • Journey to the Gallipoli Peninsula, including Anzac Cove and Lone Pine PhD on paintings of Gallipoli. • Travel to Cannakale, Ancient Troy and Bursa, capital of the silk route Andrew has published in • Cruise the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara numerous art journals and museum publications, and • Discover the vibrant culture, cuisine and lifestyle of modern Turkey is iGLAM Research Fellow at the Art Gallery of NSW and the National Institute for Experimental Arts, UNSW.

Istanbul

Gallipoli

Canakkale Bursa Troy TURKEY

Land

Map is a guide only Itinerary

Thu 01 Oct 2015 Depart Australia Sun 04 Oct Istanbul Suggested departure from Australia on Singapore Airlines Begin the day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum and (via Singapore). Overnight in fl ight. its impressive collection of antiquities, including the splendid 4th-century BC Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. The museum Fri 02 Oct Arrive Istanbul houses one of the best collections of ancient Mesopotamian art in Arrive Istanbul in the early morning and transfer to your hotel the Ancient Orient Museum as well as a great selection of Turkish in the heart of Sultanahmet, the old town of Istanbul. tiles and ceramics in the Tiled Pavilion (Çinili Köşk). This evening, join Andrew Yip and fellow travellers for a welcome Continue to the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Mosque of Suleyman briefi ng and dinner. D the Magnifi cent, where he and his wife, Hurrem Sultan (Roxelane), are buried. It is considered the most beautiful of all the imperial Sat 03 Oct Istanbul mosques in Istanbul. Begin your exploration of Istanbul with a visit to the ruins of the Today’s tour will leave you at the Grand Bazaar, a city in itself with old Hippodrome, the ‘Square of Horses’, inspired by the Circus more than 4000 shops, 2000 ateliers, 500 stalls, 12 storehouses, Maximus in Rome and the centre of the city in Byzantine times. 18 fountains, and 12 mescits, or small mosques. B L Visit the impressive 17th century Sultanahmet Mosque, with its six pencil-thin minarets, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, Mon 05 Oct Istanbul whose stunning interior is decorated with 21,000 blue Continue to marvel at the art and architecture of Istanbul with tiles. Continue to , Church of the Divine Wisdom. a visit to Topkapi Palace, including the Treasury and Harem. Dedicated by Justinian in 537AD as the cathedral of Constantinople The residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and during the Byzantine era, it became one of the most important 19th centuries, it includes a spectacular selection of jewelled turban imperial mosques of Istanbul for almost fi ve centuries, following crests, silken caftans, devotional Islamic objects and relics, and the the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. most important collection of Chinese porcelain outside of China, revealing the extraordinary grandeur of a bygone era. After lunch, descend beneath the city to explore the grandest of Byzantine cisterns which served Constantinople, Yerbatan Saray Continue to the Spice Market, built in the 17th century to fi nance Sarnici. With a capacity of 80,000 cubic metres and 336 marble the upkeep of the nearby Yani Cami mosque. The market is columns, the area is well lit and furnished with walkways. one of the largest covered markets in the city. Lunch at a local restaurant above the market. Finish the day with a visit to the newly renovated Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (due to open in March 2015). The museum Following lunch explore the Eminönü district including a visit to is housed in the restored Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, a sumptuous the Rustem Pasha Mosque, built by celebrated architect Sinan residence built by Sultan Süleyman the Magnifi cent’s Grand Vezir. in 1561 for the Grand Vizier, Rustem Pasha. Its façade and small, The collection includes notable examples of Islamic calligraphy, but attractive interior are decorated with the fi nest examples of tiles, and rugs as well as ethnographic displays various cultures Iznik tiles. This is the heart of the walled city of Constantinople, in Turkey, particularly nomadic groups. B L and covers the area on which ancient Byzantium was built. B L

Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar Tue 06 Oct Istanbul – Canakkale Fri 09 Oct Bursa – Istanbul Depart Istanbul early for the drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula Depart Bursa and return to Istanbul. Afternoon at leisure. B (approx. 5 hr). Sat 10 Oct Istanbul Early afternoon arrival in Gallipoli. See the Ari Burnu Cemetery, Beginning with a visit to Istanbul Modern (Turkey’s centre of Anzac Cove, Beach Cemetery and John Simpson’s grave (The Man contemporary art) spend the day visiting Biennale pavilions and with the Donkey). Low and steep slopes of the shore, beautiful wavy events throughout the city. The 14th Istanbul Biennale will be coves, long shores, thickly wooded hills, and valleys of the Gelibolu curated by Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev. B Peninsula, now hide a bloody battle ground where the lives of so many Australian, New Zealand and Turkish soldiers were lost.

Continue across the peninsula to Canakkale. B L D 14th Istanbul Biennial Wed 07 Oct Canakkale Saltwater: A Theory of Thought Forms This morning visit the Canakkale Naval Museum, beautifully “The 14th Istanbul Biennial looks for where to draw the positioned within the Cimenlik Castle which dates back to 1461. line, to withdraw, to draw upon, and to draw out. It does Continue to the site of the ancient city of Troy. The remains so off shore, on the fl at surfaces with our fi ngertips but also of the city were uncovered by the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who used Homer’s ‘Iliad’ to locate the site. Excavations in the depths, underwater, before the enfolded encoding have delineated nine periods (layers) of settlement as well as a unfolds. This international exhibition of art will present new temple of Athena (from Augustan times), a much earlier sanctuary works by over fi fty visual artists and other practitioners, and altar, a small theatre (odeion) and houses dating as far back including oceanographers and neuroscientists, in a city-wide as the 3rd millennium BC. project on the Bosphoros that considers diff erent frequencies Early afternoon return to Canakkale. B P D and patterns of waves, the currents and densities of water, both visible and invisible, that poetically and politically shape Thu 08 Oct Bursa and transform the world. With and through art, we mourn, Depart Canakkale and travel to Bursa. Today, Bursa is a modern city commemorate, denounce, try to heal, and we commit situated below the soaring peaks of Mt Uludağ, Turkey’s premier ski resort. The fi rst Ottoman capital and the birthplace of the ourselves to the possibility of joy and vitality, leaping from Ottoman Empire, Bursa was famous as a silk trading centre during form to fl ourishing life.” by Christov-Bakargiev the Byzantine period, and continued to fl ourish during the Ottoman Empire when the Sultans controlled the trade routes between Europe and Asia. This afternoon take a walking tour of Bursa, including the Grand Mosque, built between 1396 and 1399, boasting 20 domes and two minarets. Continue to the Green Mosque and Koza Han Silk Market. B D

Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Bursa Grand Mosque S u n 1 1 O c t I s t a n b u l Tue 13 Oct Istanbul Spend the day visiting Prince Islands, a chain of nine small islands On your last morning in Turkey enjoy a private cruise along the situated in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul. A short Bosphorus. One of the most beautiful sights in the world, the ride by boat, the islands were used as an exile post for princes and Strait runs a winding course between Europe and Asia from other royalty, giving them their present name. In the 19th century, the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. the islands became a popular resort for Istanbul’s wealthy, and Following the cruise, visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum which Victorian-era cottages and houses are still preserved on the displays a fascinating collection from Anatolian, Ionian, Hellenic largest of the Islands. and Roman civilizations, as well as exhibitions of coins, Islamic art The islands have no traffi c and are incredibly peaceful, the and women’s costumes from bygone eras. only transport being bicycles and horse-drawn carts. Enjoy a After an afternoon at leisure, celebrate the conclusion of the tour horse-drawn carriage tour passing grand houses and mansions, with a special farewell dinner. B D pine forests and cliff s. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and transfer back to your hotel early afternoon. B L Wed 14 Oct Depart Istanbul Mon 12 Oct Istanbul Tour arrangements conclude with a transfer to Istanbul Airport for early afternoon departure on Singapore Airlines (via Singapore). B After a morning talk, begin with a visit of Dolmabahce Palace. This rococo 19th century residence of the Ottoman Sultans is the Thu 15 Oct Arrive Australia place where the founder of Modern Turkey, Ataturk, died in 1938. Evening arrival in Australia. Beautifully situated with a frontage on the Bosphorus, it boasts an impressive ballroom. Situated in the Veliaht Dairesi (Heir’s Room) of the Palace is the Museum of Painting and Sculpture. The museum features many works by Turkish artists from the 19th century onwards. After lunch at leisure continue with a walking tour along Istiklal Avenue, stretching from the Tunel area to square and one of the city’s focal points for shopping, entertainment and promenading. Dominating the skyline is Tower. Capped with a conical tiled steeple and gold fi nial, the 67-metre (220 ft) stone tower was built by the Genoese in 1348. The tower, to which the Ottomans added two stories, was converted to a prison before being again used as a fi re watch tower in modern times. There is an elevator to the tower, but you have to walk up the last two fl oors to the observation desk.

Evening at leisure. B

Istanbul Modern, past exhibiton Prince Islands Tour prices

Per person, twin share AUD 6,350 Single supplement* AUD 1,600 Deposit per person AUD 500 Final payment due 01 August 2015

Early booking reduction** – AUD 250 per person *Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking **Save AUD250 per person if you book and deposit by Friday 27 February

Tour code AG1515

Fitness level Above Average Please see booking conditions for fi tness level defi nitions.

Suggested airline Singapore Airlines Please contact Renaissance Tours for current fares and bookings. Tour price includes • 12 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast ( B ) • Meals as per itinerary ( L =Lunch, P =Picnic, D =Dinner). Wines with welcome and farewell dinners. • Transfers on arrival and departure if travelling Inside Sultanahmet Mosque on suggested group fl ights • Comprehensive sightseeing, including entrance fees as per itinerary, in comfortable air-conditioned coaches • Gratuities for local guides and drivers • Hotel porterage (one piece per person) Tour price does not include • International airfares • Visa for Turkey (current cost USD60, obtained on-line in advance or on arrival) • Alcoholic drinks with meals (except welcome and farewell dinners) • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, room service etc. • Travel insurance • Airport porterage Your hotels Istanbul – Hagia Sophia Hotel Old City««««« Canakkale – Kolin Hotel««««+ Bursa – Divan Hotel«««« Istanbul – Divan Hotel««««

NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted

Galata Tower on the backgorund Terms & Conditions

HOW TO BOOK Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for mid-summer) or because of the nature of travel (e.g. Complete, sign and return the Booking Form available tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. remote rail), certain tours will require an ABOVE from Renaissance Tours with your deposit and page AVERAGE or CHALLENGING level of fi tness. one of your passport. Cancellation and/or amendment fees may apply for additional travel arrangements booked by If you (or we) have any doubts about your level DEPOSIT / FINAL PAYMENTS Renaissance Tours. of fi tness, you may be required to have a doctor’s Your deposit is due at the time of booking and is appraisal. This would require your doctor to read used to pay hotel, airline, performance tickets and/ PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONS the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the or other deposits. It is non-refundable in the event All travellers must be in a possession of a valid fi tness level, and provide you (and us) with a written of your cancellation. passport – most countries require a 6-month confi rmation of your ability to participate. validity from your date of entry or exit. For some Final payment is due 60 days before departure. countries (e.g. China, Vietnam, India, Russia), visas MODERATE Failure to make the fi nal payment by the due date are included in the tour cost and will be arranged For the overall benefi t of the group, all tour may result in cancellation of your booking and loss by Renaissance Tours prior to travel. For other members must possess a moderate level of mobility, of deposit. countries, it is your responsibility to ensure you have including the ability to: the appropriate visa(s). Payments are accepted in cash and by cheque, • negotiate airports and railway stations without bank transfer, American Express, Diners Club, You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary wheelchair assistance MasterCard and Visa. A 3% service charge applies inoculations and preventative medicines as may be • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is for payment by American Express and Diners Club. required for the duration of the tour. impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities) CANCELLATION & REFUNDS TOUR PRICES • undertake walking tour of 1–2 hours duration, a) Cancellation by You – Cancellation charges will Prices quoted in our tour information are based including using stairs, walking over cobblestones be applied as shown below, calculated from the on exchange rates, cost of services and applicable and other uneven surfaces day written notifi cation is received by Renaissance taxes at the time of publication. Prices may be • stand for long periods in museums and Tours. In addition to cancellation fees for tours subject to change in the event of signifi cant currency other sites operated by Renaissance Tours as shown below, fl uctuations or the introduction of new taxes, up • embark / disembark coaches, trains and other airlines, hotels and other third parties may impose until fi nal payment is received. methods of transportation without assistance up to 100% cancellation charges. In the event of a price increase, whether because • handle your own luggage 60 days or more Forfeit of deposit of a currency fl uctuation, increase in taxes or a ABOVE AVERAGE 59 – 45 days 25% of tour cost correction in advertised prices, we will advise In addition to the above, tour members must also 44 – 31 days 50% of tour cost you and you have the option of accepting the amended prices, inclusions and booking conditions be able to: 30 – 15 days 75% of tour cost or withdrawing from the tour and receiving a full • undertake walking tours of 2–3 hours Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost refund of all monies paid. • climb staircases of 100 or more steps The above cancellation charges include applicable GST. Once fi nal payment is received, all prices will be CHALLENGING guaranteed and no surcharges will apply. In addition to the above, tour members must also In addition to the above, cancellation charges TRAVEL INSURANCE be able to: may apply for additional arrangements booked It is a condition of travel that you are covered by • handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 by Renaissance Tours, such as air tickets, hotels comprehensive travel insurance for international or above 35 degrees) and travel insurance premium. If the reason for tours. Your travel insurance can be arranged by • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you Renaissance Tours. may be able to reclaim these charges. and above). FITNESS AND PARTICIPATION b) Cancellation by Us – We reserve the right to Most of our tours require a MODERATE level cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach of fitness. You can fi nd the full terms & conditions on the minimum tour participant numbers). Except for Renaissance Tours booking form. force majeure, we will not cancel a tour less than 60 However, in certain destinations (e.g. Silk Road, They can also be found at days before departure. No further compensation Central Asia, Outback Australia, tropical www.renaissancetours.com.au/booking-conditions will be paid in the event of cancellation by destinations) or in certain seasons (e.g. mid-winter, or we would be happy to post you a copy on request.

Spice Market Bosphorus cruise TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2015

Topkapi Palace, wall with Iznik tiles

Travel agent 1300 727 095 (AU) 0800 403 621 (NZ) call (+61 2) 9299 5801 fax (+61 2) 9299 5805 email [email protected] visit www.renaissancetours.com.au Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001 ABN 14 069 591 448 Brochure eff ective 05 February 2015